Exciter and its working

Question

Explain the term exciter and explain its working?

Answer 1

There exist two types of exciters,

a) Static exciter and

b) Rotary exciter.

Aim of the exciter is to provide the excitation dc voltage to fixed poles of the generator. Rotary exciter refers to an additional small generator which is mounted upon shaft of the main generator. If it is the dc generator, it will supply dc to rotor poles through the slip ring and the brushes. In case, it is an ac exciter, output of the ac exciter is rectified by rotating the diodes and provides dc to the main fixed poles. Exciter refers to the ac generator whose field windings are stationary and the armature rotates. Initial voltage is built up by the residual magnetism. It provides the starting torque to generator.